However, the judge required that Pruitt undergo a follow up mental evaluation before being released, or possibly committed to a mental hospital.

Pruitt was evaluated last Thursday, but there is still no word about when the doctor will report their finds and if the judge will allow him to go home.

Thursday, dozens gathered outside the St. Clair County Courthouse in Ashville to send a message of support for Pruitt.

The teen is being held in the St. Clair County Jail about a block away.

His father, Tony Pruitt, says every day that goes by without knowing if his son can come home is causing him emotional and physical stress.

A petition to free Pruitt has already collected 1,368 signatures.

Wendy Grinnell, who organized Thursday’s rally, says the petition shows that they feel that Pruitt is not a threat.

The judge in the case has not scheduled a hearing in the case yet to decide whether the findings of the evaluation show Pruitt should be released, committed to a mental hospital or sent to a halfway house.